Seoul:The main opposition People Power Party (PPP) criticized the government on Friday over perceived differences between South Korea and the United States concerning the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON), labeling it a "serious diplomatic blunder."
According to Yonhap News Agency, the criticism followed comments by U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson, who stated earlier this week that "conditions have changed," suggesting new standards are needed for the OPCON transfer due to North Korea's recent missile launches.
During a parliamentary audit of military courts on Thursday, Defense Minister Kang Shin-chul asserted that the requirements for the OPCON transfer have not changed, and that South Korea has communicated its concerns to the United States.
Rep. Kim Tae-kyu, the PPP's chief floor spokesperson, criticized the current administration and the Democratic Party (DP) for making intimidating remarks toward the USFK commander rather than addressing the warning. Kim also condemned a defense ministry spokesperson for implying that the transfer might never occur if "the goalpost kept moving," while asserting it was her personal opinion.
Rep. Kim described the spokesperson's actions as a serious diplomatic blunder and urged President Lee to stop the "reckless push" for completing the transfer within his term, suggesting it was merely an attempt to highlight an achievement. He called for an apology from the ruling DP and the defense ministry for remarks that he believed undermined the South Korea-U.S. alliance.
Rep. Jung Hee-yong, the PPP's secretary-general, emphasized the security situation's gravity due to North Korea's nuclear and missile advancements, arguing against hastily proceeding with the OPCON transfer amid discrepancies between South Korea and the U.S.
Brunson's comments highlighted a perceived gap between Seoul and Washington regarding the OPCON transfer's timing. South Korea aims to regain wartime OPCON from the U.S. before the current administration's term ends in 2030, potentially as soon as next year. However, the U.S. has expressed concerns about expediting the transition for political reasons.